Rheumatoid Factor - Quantitative

Overview of RF Quant.

What is RF Quant.?

Rheumatoid factor is an autoantibody which is produced by the body’s immune system. Rheumatoid Factor (RF) - Quantitative test detects the levels of Rheumatoid Factor in the blood which helps in diagnosing autoimmune disorders like Rheumatoid arthritis. RF is an autoantibody that is produced by the body’s immune system. It attacks body tissues considering them as foreign tissues. Presence of RF indicates that there is autoinflammatory and autoimmune activity going on in the body.

Why is RF Quant. done?

To diagnose rheumatic diseases such as Rheumatoid arthritis

To diagnose autoimmune diseases such as Sjogren’s syndrome or Lupus Erythematosus

To diagnose chronic infections

What does RF Quant. Measure?

Rheumatoid factor (RF) attacks healthy body tissues as it mistakes them for foreign body tissues. It is not found in healthy persons. The presence of RF means that the body has an autoimmune disease such as Rheumatoid arthritis. Symptoms of Rheumatoid arthritis include stiffness of joints especially in morning, pain in joints, underlying skin nodules, loss of bone and swelling of joints.

Frequently Asked Questions about Rheumatoid Factor - Quantitative

Q. How is this test performed?

This test is performed on a blood sample. A syringe with a fine needle is used to withdraw blood sample from a blood vessel in your arm generally from the inner side of the elbow area. The doctor, nurse or the phlebotomist will tie an elastic band around your arm which will help the blood vessels to swell with blood. This makes it easier to withdraw blood. You may be asked to tightly clench your fist. Once the veins are clearly visible, the area is cleaned with an antiseptic solution and then the needle is inserted into the blood vessel to collect the sample. You may feel a tiny pinprick during the procedure. Blood sample once collected is then sent to the laboratory.

Q. Is there any risk associated with this test?

There is no risk associated with the test. However, since this test involves a needle prick to withdraw the blood sample, in very rare cases, a patient may experience increased bleeding, hematoma formation (blood collection under the skin), bruising or infection at the site of needle prick.

Q. Is there any special preparation required for the test?

No, there is no special preparation required for the test.

Q. What is Rheumatoid arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic autoimmune disease which is chronic (from a long time). It causes inflammation, stiffness, pain and disastrous changes in joints of the body. It can occur at any age but the usual age is after 40 years. As compared to men, women are more affected. It can progress slow or fast. But, if untreated can cause disability of the joints.

Q. When does the doctor advise Rheumatoid factor test - Quantitative?

The doctor advises the RF test - Quantitative when signs and symptoms of Rheumatoid arthritis like the stiffness of joints especially in the morning, pain and swelling in joints, underlying skin nodules are noted in the patient. If the X-ray of the patient shows swelling in the joint capsules along with the loss of cartilage and bone, RF test is advised.

Q. What other tests are advised apart from rheumatoid factor test - Quantitative?

Apart from Rheumatoid Factor (RF), Anti CCP Antibody test, Antinuclear antibody test, Complete Blood Count, and X-ray are advised. If a patient has positive Anti CCP antibody test as well as RF test it indicates that the patient has rheumatoid arthritis. If the patient has a positive Anti CCP antibody test but a negative RF test, it means that the patient is likely to develop Rheumatoid arthritis in the future. If Anti CCP antibody test is negative but RF test is positive, it can indicate that the patient should be analyzed for other inflammatory conditions as well.

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Max Lab runs 11 NABL accredited, 24×7 operational laboratories in Delhi NCR, Punjab and Uttaranchal. Our labs are equipped with fully automated state-of-art technology and infrastructure to achieve the highest level of excellence and quality results. With over 500 highly trained staff and over 70 doctors who are trained in various sub-specialities at the best institutes in India and overseas, Max Lab boasts of having highly qualified haematologists, histopathologists, biochemists and microbiologists. We evaluate over 50, 00,000 samples every year with access to sample quantities not readily available to most institutions. This depth of experience directly benefits us in catering to the patient with complex or rare cases and in interpreting unusual results. At the core of our expertise is the ability to provide our patients with an extensive and ever-growing portfolio of cutting-edge and routine testing for a broad range of disease states. Our capability enables us to quickly and easily move from a sound diagnostic course of action to confident decision making for improved patient care. Max Healthcare, a leading name in the healthcare industry, brings its medical expertise and hospital-quality healthcare in the comfort of your home through Max@Home. With a special purpose to help people lead a life with independence and dignity, we deliver our services with compassion, excellence and reliability. To help you help you recover faster and lead a comfortable life, we provide nursing care attendants, physiotherapists and doctors for home visits. We also arrange for home sample collection and facilitate medical equipment on rent.

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Mohali has plenty of attractions such as International Hockey and Cricket stadium, North Country Mall, among others. With more such developmental works in the pipeline, Mohali has also developed its healthcare sector. While development has ushered in prosperity among the residents, it has also led to an increase in the number of health ailments among them. Presently there are over 100 types of blood tests along with multiple other tests for detecting symptoms of a wide variety of diseases. For example the liver function test (LFT test) enables a doctor to detect symptoms of liver damage due to hepatitis, overconsumption of alcohol, jaundice, etc. Similarly urine test assists a doctor to detect whether a person is suffering from kidney problems or infections in urinary tracts. 1mglabs has created an online marketplace of multiple certified diagnostic centers. We provide free sample pickups from your home. You can also view the lab test reports online. We also offer various health packages like Basic Health, Executive Health, etc. at discounted rates. It is advised to go through the pre-test requirements to be prepared for the sample collection.